On Mailer's epic adultery, Mallory is also nonjudgmental, saying, "Love is acceptance, and I accepted him as a philanderer." That's not especially surprising-to be with Norman Mailer for many years one would have to accept this as part of who he was. What is surprising is that the following come-on from Mailer was actually successful. According to Mallory, during the couple's first rendezvous, Mailer said, "Take off your panties ... I want to experience your soul." If that sort of line was what worked 25 years ago, no wonder everyone was getting so much more action!

Jessica Grose is a frequent Slate contributor and the author of the novel Sad Desk Salad. Follow her on Twitter.